Physical Therapy

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Physical Therapy

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Physical Therapy is a rehabilitative service that focuses on a patient’s ability to move and function in their daily lives. Physical Therapists evaluate and treat various conditions to assist patients to achieve their optimal level of functioning following an injury, illness, or disease. Physical Therapists also provide education for health and wellness throughout all ages to promote lifelong fitness for functional activities.

CARE

Treatment

Physical therapy is provided in both the inpatient and outpatient setting for patients with a wide range of diagnosis and needs. Physical therapists work with patients to improve their muscle strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, coordination and endurance.

Treatments may include:

  • Therapeutic exercises and modalities to improve strength and range of motion
  • Neuromuscular re-education.
  • Balance retraining.
  • Functional mobility training.
  • Gait training.
  • Adaptive and durable medical equipment recommendations, training, and education.
  • Patient and family education and training.

Inpatient Physical Therapy

In the inpatient hospital setting, physical therapy is provided for patients with an acute illness, following surgical procedures and following trauma/accidents. Physical therapists assist patients with skills to work towards resuming functional mobility. They work on early use of equipment to assist in transferring from a bed to a chair and on progression in walking or other mobility. Physical therapists work with the team in recommending discharge needs for patients, whether to home or transitions to another level of inpatient care.

Inpatient rehabilitation physical therapy treatments are continued that were initiated in the hospital and focus on assisting patients to achieve greater independence. Physical therapists work with a wide range of rehabilitation diagnoses including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic and multiple trauma and amputees. Care is provided by an interdisciplinary team with focus on individual patient needs and goals and returning patients to their home or community settings.

Outpatient Neurorehabilitation Physical Therapy

Our physical therapists specializing in outpatient neurorehabilitation provide evaluation and treatment for patients with a variety of neurological disorders or injuries, including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, parkinsons, and others.

Specialized Programs in Neurorehabilitaion include:

  • Partial Weight Bearing Gait Training.
  • BIONESS Functional Electrical Stimulation for Foot Drop
  • Lee Silverman BIG Program (LSVT® BIG).
  • Standing Program.
  • Wheelchair Seating Assessment and Training.
  • Aquatic Therapy.

Team Approach to Care

Physical therapy is provided by licensed physical therapists and physical therapy assistants. They work together with other members of the rehabilitation team to evaluate, treat and rehabilitate a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.

EDUCATION

Health Library

Health Library

Learn more about physical therapy in the health library.

 

LOCATIONS

Research

For over two decades, MeritCare has been a leader in clinical research. Visit our online guide to learn more about our current research and clinical trials.

Quality

Every day, MeritCare is committed to quality health care and continuous improvements. Learn more in our online quality guide.